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About Us
The Kannada film festival on American soil — where Karnataka’s finest cinema meets a global audience.
Hosted in collaboration with the Association of Kannada Kootas of America during their historic Silver Jubilee, the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival celebrates storytelling, creativity, and artistic excellence. Ten selected Kannada films compete across three award categories, judged by a Main Jury.
The finest Kannada feature films handpicked by members of Preview Committee for the global stage.
Cash prizes of ₹1L, ₹50k, and ₹25K with trophies and certificates for the top three films.
Celebrate exceptional films and talented artists for their outstanding cinematic achievements.
Festival at a Glance
The The AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival brings together Karnataka’s biggest names in cinema — actors, directors, producers, and technicians — on one global stage to honor the stories that define us. From Bengaluru to Philadelphia, this is Kannada cinema’s proudest celebration.
faq
Everything filmmakers and attendees need to know about the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival 2026.
Feature films in any recognized language of Karnataka, including Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, and others, are eligible for submission. Films must have received censor certification between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, with a minimum running time of 90 minutes.
Selected participants will be notified by the organizing team and invited to attend the festival, where their work will be recognized and celebrated.
Every eligible submission undergoes a thorough evaluation by industry professionals, and selections are made based on the festival's judging criteria.
Voices of the Jury
The festival’s selection and awards are guided by some of Karnataka’s most celebrated filmmakers, writers, and cinema veterans.
The Karnataka film festival on American soil, celebrating storytelling, cinematic excellence, and Karnataka’s cultural legacy at the AKKA World Conference in Philadelphia.
©2026 AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival. All Rights Reserved. Designed with 💛 Que Prachara
Kannada cinema has always had depth and honesty. This festival finally gives it the international stage it deserves — where our stories can compete with the best in the world.